PANAJI
The Kazakhstani performer who was on stage when the deadly fire engulfed Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora has said she “thanks Indian God” for saving her life, recalling a narrow escape as panic swept through the venue.
Speaking to a national media, survivor Kristina, whose video performing with her band went viral after the incident, broke down repeatedly as she described the moments when the fire broke out around midnight. At least 25 people - majority staff and four tourists - were killed in the blaze.
“I just ran… I saw how people helped each other and tried to come out. I don’t know,” she said, adding that she remembered pushing past a woman and a man who appeared to be in shock as smoke filled the club.
She said a crew member’s quick intervention prevented her from heading to the basement-level green room where the fire is believed to have started, likely saving her life.
“Someone pushed me and said, ‘Don’t go down’. I didn’t understand how fast it was spreading. Yes, a guy from my team saved me. I thank him, I thank God,” she said.
Kristina said she had been in tears since the incident. “I just cried since yesterday… Indian God saved my life. I went home and hugged my daughter,” she said, recalling how she returned home to be embraced by her young child.
The performer said her entire team managed to escape unharmed. When asked whether musicians now intend to check fire compliance at venues before performing, she replied: “No, nothing… Just prepare the performance and go.” Footage from the club showed her dancing on the central stage as her band played moments before the fire erupted. She said she had no idea the blaze had started in the basement kitchen until after escaping.
“People were panic-stricken. The speed with which the fire spread left everyone stunned. I don’t think anyone understood how fast it was," she said.
Goa Police and forensic teams are continuing their investigation with FIR registered and other legal procedures underwya, while families of victims and survivors recount the chaos that unfolded inside the packed nightclub.
